News Release

Scripps Research Institute scientist Hua Lu, Ph.D., has been named a 2011 Damon Runyon Fellow, a prestigious award presented by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation to recognize early-career researchers.

According to the foundation, the fellowship “encourages the nation’s most promising young scientists to pursue cancer research by providing them with independent funding to work on innovative projects.” The 18 newly announced fellows each receive a three-year grant to pursue their research.

A research associate in the laboratory of Professor Peter G. Schutz, Ph.D., Lu has focused his scientific investigation on developing antibody-drug conjugates that can specifically recognize and kill acute myeloid leukemia cancer cells. Lu aims to generate highly specific ADCs to attack tumor cells without harming normal cells. His work may lead to identifying new clinical candidate drugs.

Since its founding in 1946, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has invested more than $235 million in funding more than 3,250 young scientists. Among past foundation fellows are eleven Nobel Prize winners, heads of cancer centers, and leaders of renowned research programs, according to the foundation. Fewer than 10 percent of fellowship applicants are funded in the competitive award program.